World number one Carlos Alcaraz started his campaign for a second Grand Slam title with an emphatic victory over Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli in the first round of the French Open. The Spaniard showcased his formidable skills and dispatched Cobolli 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in a commanding fashion.
At just 20 years old, Alcaraz has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the tennis circuit. He is considered one of the frontrunners to inherit the legacy of his compatriot, the 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafa Nadal, who is absent from this year's tournament due to a hip injury.
Alcaraz, who had to skip the Australian Open earlier this year due to a leg injury, made a strong statement in his return to Grand Slam action since his victory at the US Open last year. He demonstrated his dominance right from the start, swiftly claiming the opening set without dropping a single game.
In the second set, Alcaraz continued his relentless play and secured an early break, putting him in control once again. Cobolli, making his main draw debut at a major tournament, managed to get on the scoreboard but couldn't halt Alcaraz's momentum. The top seed comfortably served out the set to take a commanding two-set lead.
Despite a valiant effort from Cobolli, who displayed powerful forehands and broke Alcaraz to level the third set at 5-5, the world number one elevated his game to another level. Alcaraz ensured that Cobolli, who had pledged to get a tattoo of the Roland Garros logo following his successful qualifying run, would leave the tournament with a lasting memory of a resounding defeat.
Alcaraz's stellar performance in the opening round sends a clear message to his competitors that he is determined to add another major title to his name. Tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the continuation of his journey in the French Open, where he will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the coming rounds.
(With inputs from Reuters)
